Salisbury Housing Trust proposes two affordable homes

SALISBURY — The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the application from the Salisbury Housing Trust (SHT) on Monday, June 3. The hearing was continued to Monday, June 17.

SHT’s plans propose building two affordable housing single family 3-bedroom homes at 26 and 28 Undermountain Road.

P&Z chair Michael Klemens began by saying that the commission had discussed concepts with the housing trust, but that concepts are not the same as plans in an application for a special permit.

He said that when the P&Z did an “8-24 review” to determine if the SHT’s concept was consistent with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the commission found that building two homes at the site was consistent. Preserving the existing park is also consistent with the POCD, Klemens added.

Jennifer Kronholm Clark gave the presentation for the SHT.

She said consultant Pat Hackett had prepared two options. Option one keeps the informal parking lot in the front of the property, adds two houses, and has a small open space in the rear.

Option two removes the parking area off Undermountain Road and puts the first house there, with the second house and a larger open space in the rear.

She said the housing trust prefers the second option.

Public comment was mixed. Robin Roraback, who lives near the site, said the parking lot is used regularly by White Hart employees and during events such as the recent Salisbury Handmade artisans sale.

She said the housing would make the neighborhood more crowded and noisy. She also mentioned a pair of 300-year-old oak trees on the property.

Other neighbors were okay with the housing but concerned about the oak trees.

Another neighbor, Holly Leibrock, preferred “Option three: Neither.”

She said the parking is also used by the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service and the existing park should be expanded, not reduced.

Other residents expressed their belief that affordable housing is important to the town and favored the idea.

Klemens sent a memo to the housing trust with a list of additional information for the next session of the hearing. The list includes: an arborists assessment of the health of the two old oak trees, confirmation that the two lots that make up the site have been legally merged and that there are no deed restrictions, an A2 survey, complete engineering details, 14 aspects of the site plan that need to be completed, a clarification on the special permit application, and a request to address the question of whether the existing parking area is impervious by compaction.

All of these materials are on the town’s website under Planning and Zoning Meeting Documents.

Latest News

Ann Beizer

CANAAN — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ann Beizer, who died on Nov. 13, 2024, at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare and debilitating disease that took away her ability to move, see clearly, and swallow. Ann’s strength and resilience throughout her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her, even as the disease took its toll.

Born on Sept. 12, 1944, in Washington, DC, Ann was raised in Glasgow, West Virginia, where both of her parents were school teachers. She earned a Master’s degree in counseling from West Virginia University and went on to teach high school history. Later, she led a not-for-profit organization before becoming the Director of Academic Advising at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). At WPI, Ann also served as a Project Advisor, guiding students on international work projects in Italy and Puerto Rico. Her commitment to education and mentorship earned her a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to Germany, further advancing her career in academic advising.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz

SHARON — Dr. Fred G. Kantrowitz, 78, of Medfield, Massachusetts, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts and Sharon passed away Nov. 13, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was the loving husband of Anne Kirby, devoted father of Gregory and William, father-in-law of Katie and Brittanny, and proud grandfather of Jack, Ava and Jameson.

Fred was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Theo and Dinah (Kotick) Kantrowitz. His own health struggles as a child, intellectual curiosity and desire to help others led him to a career in medicine. Fred’s illustrious medical career was highlighted by nearly 50 years on the Beth Israel staff, more than 30 published works and a chapter as teamdoctor for the Boston Celtics. Later in his career, he developed a reputation for being the doctor to handle only the most complex cases, including long Covid.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rose Moskowitz

CANAAN — Rose Moskowitz, 98, of Geer Village in Canaan, passed away on Nov. 9, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Bernard Moskowitz.

Rose was born Aug. 2, 1926, in New York City, the daughter of the late David and Regina (Shanker) Gunn.
Rose graduated from high school in the Bronx.

Keep ReadingShow less
Doreen B. Newton

WASSAIC — Doreen B. Newton, 76, a lifelong resident of Wassaic, died on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Kindred Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Ms. Newton was an assistant social worker at Taconic Developmental Disabilities Office in Wassaic, for 30 years, retiring in 2005.

Born on Nov. 24, 1947 in Sharon, she was the daughter of the late William and Doris (Shook) Barlow. She was a graduate of Webutuck High School Class of 1965. An avid reader, Ms. Newton enjoyed mystery novels and crossword puzzles. Above all, she loved her grandchildren.

Keep ReadingShow less